New Delhi: We owe a lot to the city we live-in and when it is a city like 'Delhi' it is meant to be special.
With numerous historical monuments dotting the city and a huge variety of food options, ranging from street food to high-end fine dining, the city has it all. For a complete experience of Delhi, a trip down to the Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) and Nayi Dilli (New Delhi) gives us the complete picture of what the city is all about.
Being a foodie and a cultural heritage lover I came across an event ‘I Haat Delhi 14th – 15th February, 2015' at ‘Garden of Five Senses', a two-day festival that would celebrate our city's food, markets, music and art.
The unique name “I Haat Delhi” has hidden meaning in itself describing ‘Delhi'. In ancient times the term ‘Haat' meant Bazaar or a temporary market. However, in today's terms it is a source of amusement.
‘I Haat Delhi' has brought both the Nayi and Purani Dilli at one place. From live music performances to freshly cooked Pizza's and Kulfi's (ice-cream) all was there at one place to have a cheerful and memorable time with buddies. A famous Bollywood song from Delhi-6 ‘Ye Dilli hai mere yaar.. Bas Ishq.. Mohabbat.. Pyaar…' adds to the love for the city.
Anand Virmani, one of the organizers of a 6-member team of ‘I Haat Delhi' said, “The fest talks about its love for Delhi and we have tried to bring Delhi as a whole at one place. Packing Delhi in one nut-case took a lot of research and hard work,” he said.
As the event kicked-off, Basti children gave a live music performance which was mesmerizing and unforgettable. ‘Music Basti' is an initiative which picks students and kids from slums to perform on stage.
Another highlight at the event was Umar Daraaz Kite maker. He has been making kites for more than 40-years in Purani Dilli, and was brought to the event to give him exposure. Umar Daraaz has a shop which has been named after him. In the past, the government of India has sent Umar Daraaz to several countries like Russia, England, Denmark, Dubai and Mauritius to conduct workshops on ‘Kite making'.
To know people's view about the city I spoke to some of them during the event. Panshul Sharma- 25, a corporate professional said, “Initially when my friends told me about the event, I thought it will be just one ordinary event. But when I personally experienced, it was worth coming here. The event had good music band performance and ambience to chill out with friends.”
Ishika Singh, a foodie and a handicraft admirer said, “Being a non-Delhiite I had experienced something peacefully good under one roof that too under budget… Everything was awesome, be it ambience, food, music, stalls. In total it was worth going there.”
Certainly, the 2015 edition of ‘I Haat Delhi' truly celebrates the passion and zeal of Delhi. I hope that you get the same experience and joy in the next edition of the event.
